Valve amp vs modelling amp for playing at homeFor home playing, a modelling amp is the practical pick — valve only if you'll chase cranked tones. Why modelling wins at home Variety at low volume: Alan Ratcliffe, our Guitar Doctor, says modellers excel at giving many tones at many volume levels — exactly the home-use case — and let you play clean and cranked sounds quietly 1. He also notes that in blind tests most players can't tell the difference, and modellers keep narrowing the gap 1. Try before you buy: Alan Ratcliffe points out a modelling amp teaches you which amp voices you like, so if you later go valve you'll know what to look for 4. Low-volume truth: our Builder in Residence Gearhead says 1/4W is already loud enough for a bedroom — if you want valve tones quietly, look at very low-watt valve amps 2. When valve still wins Feel and dynamics: Gearhead explains valve amps compress and respond to your playing and volume knob in ways that add lushness 7; Manfred-Klose, our Luthier in Residence, still prefers recording valves for the "real" feel — but warns of valve replacement and servicing costs over the years 1. Middle ground: MikeM, our Valve Wrangler, suggests a valve-based modelling amp like a Vox Valvetronix (real 12AX7 preamp) if you want both worlds 1. Models the forum rated Modelling picks: Fender Mustang and Vox Valvetronix topped the community poll 5; Alan Ratcliffe pushed the Fender Mustang (Mustang II around R2500 in 2012 (about R5,300 in today's money) street) for home use 4. Vox did cleans best, Line 6 metal, Roland best effects 6. Hybrid idea: our Sound Guy TomCat liked the Fender Vibro Champ XD — a 5W valve amp with a modelling front end 8. Bottom line: home = modelling amp; get a low-watt valve later if the bug bites. From these forum threadsTube amp vs Modeler (2011): Alan Ratcliffe on where modellers beat valves — blind-test resultsTube vs SS, which is better for the ears? (2015): Gearhead explains why 1/4W is plenty for bedroomsViews on the Vox Valvetronix+ amps vs AC15, etc? (2012): Alan recommends modelling amps for variety-at-home playingThe best Modelling amp (2012): Forum poll: which modelling amps members actually rated highestModelling amp battle (2010): Vox vs Line 6 vs Roland — which modelling amp does what bestLooking for a new amp (2009): FenderBender on what happens when you crank valve vs transistorAdvice regarding electric guitar amplification. Am struggling!! (2009): TomCat's hybrid pick: low-watt valve amp with modelling front end
